Here's a quick response to a few budget questions I received yesterday.
Grit interceptors
Several people asked if there is money in the 2009-11 utility capital budget for hydrocarbon grit interceptors. Yes, there is: $50,000 in 2009, $50,000 in 2010 and $200,000 in 2011.
If you're wondering, hydrocarbon grit interceptors filter oil and sand from the city's storm water outfalls, preventing them from adding sediment to the Sturgeon River. There's one interceptor, an artificial filter, built underneath St. Albert Place.
A second, much different interceptor was built last year near the Boudreau Bridge. That's where a series of settling ponds were constructed near outfall No. 17 in Braeside.
It's also worth mentioning dollars are allotted for storm water repairs: $600,000 in 2009, $690,000 in 2010 and $760,000 in 2011. That work includes catch basin repairs and storm pond cleaning.
The grit interceptor cash in the utility budget doesn't come close to the cash needed to prevent further sediment build up in the mucky Sturgeon River. The 2004 storm water management master plan recommended grit interceptors and settling ponds in 23 locations along the river.
The cost? Some $10 million over 10 years (in 2004 dollars) — too expensive for the current utility rate model, city officials said in 2006, when funded was cut back for the 2007-08 budget.
Mayor Nolan Crouse recently suggested it's possible the city will look for provincial help to pay for additional grit interceptors. At least that was his comment when he said moving the Big Lake power line was not the city's top environmental priority.
And while I'm on the subject of the Sturgeon River's health, there are other projects identified to address sedimentation. The 10-year utility capital plan shows sediment removal as a $2-million expense in 2013. Can you say dredging?
Dog park: $240,000 over two years
The other question/comment I received was about proposed dog parks, with one resident arguing it shouldn't be a priority.
Two dog parks are proposed, starting with Lacombe Lake Park in 2009. It will cost $100,000 to install a chain link fence, signage and waste bins to make the "unofficial" doggie park an official off-leash area.
The city has identified a second possible dog park along Levasseur Road in Heritage Lakes (underneath the AltaLink power line). This would cost $140,000 in 2010. The city would need to build a 20-stall parking lot at Hudson Road.
Keep your questions coming. You can comment at the link below or email me at balary@stalbert.greatwest.ca.
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